Moonee Valley Family & Local History Blog

Christmas is looking a little different in Moonee Valley this year, but one thing that hasn't changed is the Christmas lights adorning houses in our local streets. Warm summer evenings are perfect for strolling the streets with your family, and keeping an eye out for some dazzling displays. Hunting for Christmas lights is also a great chance to wander down some streets that you might not have been down for a while, and check out the fabulous architecture of houses in your area. Moonee Valley has some fantastic grand mansions, which look even more amazing than usual when lit up with festive lights! It’s a perfect opportunity to see your local streets in a different way, and get in the Christmas spirit! From us at the Moonee Valley Family and Local History Blog, we wish you all the best for the festive season, and the new year. Merry Christmas! A Merry Christmas , 1911. Image courtesy of State Library Victoria.

Do you know much about the history of Moonee Valley? Do you know about the monuments and historical markers that are all around us? If you don't then you might want to start playing Pokemon Go! That's right, Pokemon Go! can teach you all about the history and culture of Moonee Valley and other parts of Melbourne and beyond. The game uses historical markers to get people walking and rewards them for visiting the markers. Did you know about the Maud Ripper Memorial, or the history of the Curator's Cottage in Queen's Park? What about the plaques to Destroyers from the Second World War and the historic flood markers along the Maribyrnong River? By playing Pokemon Go people of all ages are discovering their local area and some of the important historical markers and monuments that they hold. So if you have nothing planned this weekend, download Pokemon and discover the history of Moonee Valley. For a first-hand account of a person's discovery of their local area...

Did you know about our #FlashbackFriday campaign? Moonee Valley Libraries is trying to highlight some memories from yesteryear and we want your help. If you have a photo from somewhere in Moonee Valley and would like to share it with us so we can use it on our Facebook page, comment below or email the library service with your image and ask to forward it to the history department at: librarian@mvcc.vic.gov.au To find out more, check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/mooneevalleylibraries

Family history is more than just finding out names of those who came before you. It can also be about discovering connections to the past through sharing memories and experiences with others.   The Moonee Valley Libraries Family History Group has shared some of the items and stories that they have uncovered in their own family histories. These items hold significance for the stories they tell. They provide insight and helpful hints to those who wish to discover their own family history.   The installation will be running at the following times at the Sam Merrifield Library in Meeting Room Two:    Monday 17th August: Tuesday 18th August: Wednesday 19th August: Thursday 20th August: Friday 21st August: 5:00PM 3:00PM 12:00PM 10:00AM 12:00PM Monday 24th August: Tuesday 25th August: Wednesday 26th August: Thursday 27th August: Friday 28th August:   5:30PM 3:00PM 12:00PM 11:00AM 12:...

August is Family History Month, so come along to one of the many events and classes that will be running during the month. Classes on discovering your family history, how to use databases to solve some problems as well as how to find your Italian ancestors will be running. We'll also be having talks about genealogy, how best to write a non-boring family history and conserving your collection. Plus there will be a tour of the Essendon Historical Society Museum and an afternoon tea to kick off the month in style. Find out more today: Moonee Valley Libraries Events

Moonee Valley Thematic Environmental History (TEH) is available to view online or in hard copy at your local library. The TEH has been prepared in consultation with  a range of community members and Living Histories, and creates a framework for identifying local iconic features, places, people and stories in Moonee Valley. The study provides information on a variety of different themes including migration, farming, recreation, transport, communications, banking and finance, and is a great source for anyone interested in the history and development of Moonee Valley over the last 200 years.